Early Times Report
Nagrota, July 29: Director General of Police, J&K, Nalin Prabhat on Tuesday presided over a special function at Police Station Nagrota, where Rs 1.53 crore were distributed among 22 victims of a Rs 2.39 crore job scam. According to the details the amount was recovered by Jammu Police as part of a landmark case executed under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Accompanied by senior officials including IGP Jammu Zone B.S. Tuti, DIG JSK Range Shiv Kumar Sharma, and SSP Jammu Joginder Singh, the DGP lauded the police force for their exemplary investigation and commitment to justice. The event was attended by officers from the Army, CRPF, civil administration, zonal SPs, SDPOs, and SHOs from Jammu’s Rural Zone. SSP Jammu Joginder Singh and SP Rural Jammu Brijesh Sharma briefed the audience about the swift and efficient investigation led by SHO Nagrota, Inspector Parvez Sajad, under the supervision of SDPO Nagrota Vinod Kundal. This case, according to the officials marked the first instance in the Union Territory where property was attached and proceeds of crime returned to victims under the BNSS. It involved Harpreet Singh, a resident of Pallanwala, who posed as a Lieutenant Colonel and duped individuals by promising jobs in MES, MoD, and DRDO. “The scam came to light after Arun Sharma of Nagrota filed a complaint on November 6, 2024, resulting in FIR No. 293/2024 at PS Nagrota. Harpreet Singh was arrested the next day. Investigations revealed that proceeds from the fraud were funneled into a real estate transaction involving a duplex property in Channi Bheja. The property, worth Rs 2.22 crore, was being transferred to the accused’s mother, Paramjeet Kour. An amount of Rs 1.93 crore was traced back to Harpreet through cash and digital transactions,” the officials added. “On a plea by the police, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu, issued an attachment order under Section 107(5) of BNSS, executed by Tehsildar Bahu. A show cause notice was served to the accused to explain the sourc DGP Prabhat presides over function, says police following LG’s mantra not to touch innocent, not to spare the guilty of funds. During proceedings, Kamaljeet Kour (the seller) judicially admitted to receiving ₹1.53 crore, and voluntarily committed to refund the amount,” the officials said. “In the first phase, Rs 75 lakh was distributed among 17 victims, and today, Rs 78 lakh was distributed among 22 victims through cheques. A total of Rs 1.53 crore has been refunded so far, with disputed amounts pending trial. A dedicated account was opened for disbursal on court directions, ensuring transparency and timely restitution.” DGP Prabhat hailed the case as a model for effective implementation of new criminal laws. “The government’s new laws are being implemented on the ground, and their focus is firmly on victims. Today’s development reflects our commitment to justice — swift, fair, and restorative,” he said. He reiterated the police’s guiding principle — “not to touch the innocent and not to spare the guilty” — as laid down by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Highlighting the evolving demands of policing, he encouraged his team to aim for excellence across disciplines. “We must aspire as if we’re winning a Nobel Prize or earning a PhD from a top university. Our work must be transformative,” he said. The DGP emphasized that crime, including scams and frauds, can only be prevented when society remains alert. “The first line of defense against crime is society itself. Citizens must remain vigilant and refuse to fall prey to such deceit,” he warned. He praised the investigating team led by Inspector Parvez Sajad and supervised by DySP Vinod Kundal and SP Rural Brijesh Sharma for their professionalism. Legal support was provided by Sr. Prosecuting Officer Altaf Wahid and financial expertise by Accounts Officer Kamal Bhagat. IGP Jammu Zone B.S. Tuti commended Jammu Police for their dedication and urged officers to maintain high standards of public service. The case stands as a strong example of how coordinated legal, administrative, and investigative efforts can restore public trust and ensure justice under the new criminal justice framework. |